The Rusty Hook Tavern

I would eat here every day if I could. Went to dinner here one night on vacation. Trust me folks, you should too. Here's what makes this place so great, via list form in no particular order:

1. They serve Devour brewing company on the rotating tap. Devour is a small local-to-the-area (Boynton Beach) brewing company with limited release. I thoroughly enjoyed the Mosaic to my ears IPA. Ask your server what's on the rotating taps, and then order whatever they're serving from Devour. You're welcome.

2 if you're drinking, have a bite to eat. Personally, I filled up on "Tavern Bites." No regrets either. The charred Portabello mushrooms were phenomenal, almost tasted like a tender and juicy bite of steak. Truly amazing. The Brussel sprouts were a unique treat. I like Brussel sprouts well enough as a side. I was skeptical about ordering them as an appetizer. But, the balsamic soy vinaigrette and green apple mix wonderfully to create a coating that is remarkable. Not to mention the serving is a giant heap. You could literally fill up on these things. The Peruvian Fish Ceviche was excellent. It's packs a fresh, citrus-y punch. The Rusty Jumbo wings had great smoky flavor with crisp skin. The seasoning on the wings makes them good enough to eat dry, but they're served with two sauces that are at least worth tasting. Finally, the crispy pork belly is one of the best things I've ever eaten. That's no exaggeration. I couldn't fathom eating here and not ordering this dish. The charred pineapple slaw is a perfect complement to the expertly crisped, two big chunks of pork belly.

3. I also tried the short rib taco. The short rib is smoked, so it has great flavor and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. The cojita cheese adds a nice bite that rounds out the flavor. This taco is like a carnival for your mouth.

4. The atmosphere was fantastic. I got a little lucky as it was a relatively cool evening when we stopped by. We sat outside and enjoyed a perfect night. The restaurant has fans with a light mist to cool off patrons as well.

5. Gladys was our server. She was very pleasant and personable, super helpful and friendly. Every staff person we interacted with was professional, yet warm and affable.

6. Others at the table had burgers and fresh fish (I forget which, the menu lists several that our fresh caught and market priced). I didn't try a bite of either, but their silence through the meal was a pretty clear indication that both were well received. The mashed potatoes were highly regarded as well.

7. They have a kids menu that serves the basics, just not from out of the freezer. My daughter got the cheeseburger, which looked really similar to the burger my wife enjoyed as part of the three course meal. My son got the Mac n cheese with shrimp. At three, he's a picky eater, but he almost cleaned his plate, after I ate his shrimp, of course. For the record, the shrimp were buttery and delicious.

Honestly, I could go on, but I fear that this review may be taken as hyperbole. I assure you it is not. If you're in the Pompano Beach area, do yourself a favor and stop in. I'll definitely be back every time I'm in the area.